Sport

Reds hopeful Simpson can make swift return

CRAWLEY boss John Gregory is hopeful skipper Josh Simpson will make a swift return to action.

Simpson was forced off at half-time of Saturday’s opening day 1-0 win away to Barnsley.

He appeared on the sidelines in the second half on crutches.

But Gregory insists that was a precautionary move by the medical staff and hopes the influential Simpson will be back for Saturday’s game at home to Swindon.

The 27-year-old, though, is expected to sit out tomorrow’s Capital One Cup tie with Ipswich Town at the Checkatrade.com Stadium.

Gregory said: “We took a precaution with Josh. We wrapped him up, got him in a shoe to protect him, just in case there is anything damaged.

“But we like to think it is just a kick and he will recover and hopefully he will be ready to play on Saturday.”

Gavin Tomlin, who suffered a hamstring injury in the final game of pre-season at home to Chelsea nine days ago, was named on the substitutes’ bench at Barnsley but was not used, even when Simpson – who played as a support striker to matchwinner Izale McLeod – went off.

Another striker, Matt Harrold, is still recovering from a knee operation.